Former Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office director sues Sheriff McFadden, alleges retaliation and racism

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A former employee with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is suing Sheriff Garry McFadden, accusing him of retaliation, racial discrimination, and wrongful termination.

Dr. Angelia Riggsbee, who served as Director of Business Operations from March to November 2024, claims she was fired after reporting serious issues within the department, including racial pay disparities and attempts to alter public records.

According to the federal lawsuit, Riggsbee discovered that a longtime Black female manager was being paid significantly less than white colleagues in similar or even lower-ranking positions. She reportedly raised concerns in June 2024, warning that the pay gaps could lead to legal consequences.

Riggsbee claims her concerns were ignored by Sheriff McFadden, who later denied a request to correct the pay disparities without explanation. Things reportedly escalated when she alleges that McFadden’s office told her to alter travel expense records before they were released to the Charlotte Observer, a request she refused, calling it unethical and possibly illegal.

The lawsuit also describes a toxic workplace culture, claiming McFadden created an environment of “retaliation and racism.” The suit cites public criticisms from former senior staff, including former Chief Deputy Kevin Canty, who resigned in November 2024 and described the department under McFadden as a “third-world dictatorship.”

Following her reports, Riggsbee claims McFadden became increasingly hostile, referring to her as a “problem” and pushing to discipline her without cause. Despite receiving a performance rating of “Exceeds Expectations” and a raise in August 2024, Riggsbee was fired in November, just two weeks after Canty’s resignation, according to the lawsuit.

Sheriff McFadden has claimed her termination was due to unsatisfactory performance, a claim Riggsbee said is “false and pretextual.”

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses McFadden of violating federal civil rights laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and North Carolina state law.

McFadden, a former detective, has been the elected sheriff of Mecklenburg County since 2018. His office has faced public criticism in the past for alleged misconduct and racially charged comments. Queen City News has reached out to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff McFadden for a response to these allegations.